Dear Chief Vail and City Manager Storellicastro,

We, the concerned residents of Barre City, write to you today out of deep concern over the resignation of Officer James McGowan. Officer McGowan has been a respected and valued member of our police department, and the circumstances surrounding his departure have left many of us troubled and seeking answers.

Officer McGowan recently pursued and apprehended a known repeat offender in our community—someone who had been arrested as recently as last month for aggravated assault. We ask: who can say with certainty whether the use of force was unwarranted without experiencing the fear, urgency, and responsibility borne by an officer in the moment—an officer who just wants to return home safely to his wife and sons?

It's important to note that the individual involved in the arrest did not press charges against Officer McGowan. Despite this, and despite a review by the Vermont State Police that found the use of force to be permissible, a separate review was sought from Windsor County, two counties removed from this jurisdiction. This choice raises understandable concerns. Why was Windsor County’s opinion, rather than the State’s, given greater weight? The Vermont Criminal Justice Council later found no evidence of unprofessional conduct on Officer McGowan’s part. Two out of three independent reviews cleared him. Why, then, is the single dissenting view driving the outcome?

Furthermore, the St. Johnsbury Police Department—a neighboring and credible agency—has since hired Officer McGowan, reinforcing their confidence in his character and conduct.

We are left wondering: have we sacrificed one of our most committed public servants to optics and external pressure? Barre City has lost a dedicated officer—someone who clearly demonstrated the courage to confront danger and protect this community. This feels less like an objective evaluation and more like a politically motivated response, and it is unacceptable.

We respectfully request that you revisit the decision that led to Officer McGowan’s resignation and consider his reinstatement. Our community stands behind him. Let’s show our officers—and those who would put their lives on the line for Barre City—that we stand by them when they act with integrity and in accordance with the law.